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Best Wine Bars In Minneapolis

For me, wine bars are half about the wine and half about the food that goes with the wine. A good wine bar has great success in both categories — added with a comfy space perfect for sipping. The Twin Cities are busting with wine bars, which means luckily for us, there are plenty to choose from.

Selection and variety are really the two tiers of a good wine bar — one that boasts both of its options but also of its expertise for those wine enthusiasts who need a little guidance.

Because there are such an extraordinary amount of great wine bars in the Twin Cities, we thought we’d divide the lists into great spots in Minneapolis and those wonderful wine havens of St. Paul.

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Barbette

Barbette earned the City Pages nod for best wine list in 2010 and after seeing the expansive options, it’s easy to see why. Beyond a booming bubbly list, the wine list also offers a great variety of wine from around the globe. And the best part? This is one mini-journey that won’t break your pocket book.

Riverview Café and Wine Bar

This South Minneapolis spot is known for being a neighborhood institution. With a relaxed, casual atmosphere the varietals keep flowing without pretention or snobbery getting in the way. The wine flights are a steal — four tastes for just $10 — and on certain days, you can even pick the combos.

Toast Wine Bar & Café

It’s not uncommon to see the owners of Toast walking around, greeting customers on any given night. The married couple takes great pride in their little Heritage Building wine bar and it shows. With a wide selection of wine, plus cheese plates and cracker crust pizzas, wine enthusiasts have been toasting to this tucked away haven since it opened.

Lucia’s

This is a great place with a lot of heart. Lucia’s has become something of a foundation for wine gurus, half because they’ve been around for so long and half because they do wine like no other place in town. Every visit to Lucia’s seems like a brand new experience with an ever-changing selection. Not to mention, the food is good enough to overshadow the wine.

Spill The Wine

Located right along the bustling traffic of Washington Avenue, Spill The Wine is a great corner bar full of warmth — both from the cozy décor and the friendly service. Not only does this trendy spot decorate with wine from across the globe but they offer their very own wine shop — so you can try a new wine and walk home with a bottle.

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Bev’s Winebar

Located in the trendy Warehouse District, Bev’s is a dark and cozy spot made for romantic evenings. It’s been called a “hidden treasure” mostly because of its tucked-in location next to some not-so-hidden neighbors. The wine list is great whether you’re looking for a glass or by the bottle. Plus a simple but tasty menu provides perfect accompaniments.

Beaujo’s Wine Bar & Bistro

A true treat to the ritzy neighborhood of 50th and France in Edina is Beaujo’s Wine Bar and Bistro — a charming, sophisticated spot boasting more than 30 different wines served just about every way you could imagine. Stop by for the Sunday Special, when a bottle of house red or white will only cost you $10 with your meal purchase.

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Gigi’s Café

A charming spot under a bright green canopy, Gigi’s Café has been a neighborhood fixture in South Minneapolis for years. The wines by the glass are always changing, giving plenty of reasons for patrons to stop by frequently.

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King’s Wine Bar

The list of reasons why King’s is a must for wine bar enthusiasts is just about as long as their wine list. This is one of those places where I can’t decide if I’m going for the food or the wine because both are done so well. Check out the Late-Nite happy hour menu for great deals on wines by the glass and small bite selections.